Arjen Robben, centre, says that his actions in the 2014 World Cup, and that he apologised for diving, has caused referees to not give him the benefit of the doubt in awarding him a penalty. Koen van Weel / EPA
Arjen Robben, centre, says that his actions in the 2014 World Cup, and that he apologised for diving, has caused referees to not give him the benefit of the doubt in awarding him a penalty. Koen van Weel / EPA
Arjen Robben, centre, says that his actions in the 2014 World Cup, and that he apologised for diving, has caused referees to not give him the benefit of the doubt in awarding him a penalty. Koen van Weel / EPA
Arjen Robben, centre, says that his actions in the 2014 World Cup, and that he apologised for diving, has caused referees to not give him the benefit of the doubt in awarding him a penalty. Koen van W

Sport

Arjen Robben says referees are now tougher on him; AFC pledges support to Blatter; Van den Brom joins AZ

Agencies

September 27, 2014

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 Germany

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben says he realises it will take a while before a referee gives him a penalty, especially after apologising for diving at this year’s World Cup finals. Robben said referee Knut Kircher should have pointed to the spot after he appeared to be taken down in the box from behind by Daniel Halfar in the first half of Bayern’s 2-0 Bundesliga win over Cologne. “It was a clear penalty. They didn’t give it. I have to accept that. The fans whistle at me but they cannot forget that we are fouled so much. But I have to accept it and just wait,” said Robben, who briefly looked towards Kircher in frustration before getting up and carrying on with the game. “I told my teammates that it will probably take a year before I get another penalty called for me. It goes back to the World Cup. I made a mistake back then and apologised.”

 Asia

The head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has pledged his support for Fifa president Sepp Blatter in next year’s election at which the 78-year-old Swiss is expected to win a fifth term as soccer’s most powerful administrator. After Uefa president Michel Platini ruled out taking on the incumbent Fifa boss, Frenchman Jerome Champagne remains Blatter’s only declared opponent at the vote taking place in Zurich next May. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who is in Zurich to attend Fifa standing committee meetings, said he would back Blatter, who has maintained a strong relationship with the confederation. “Blatter has always been supportive of Asia and has placed great importance in the development of Asian football,” the Bahraini told the AFC website.

 Netherlands

AZ Alkmaar have appointed John van den Brom as their new coach, replacing Marco van Basten, who gave up the job because of health issues. Van den Brom, who last worked at Belgian champions Anderlecht but was fired in March, had a verbal agreement with the club, which would be confirmed with a proper contract in the coming week, a statement from AZ said. Former European footballer of the year Van Basten quit earlier this month after having heart problems brought on by stress.

 France

Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw at Toulouse in Ligue 1 yesterday, once again failing to convince as Barcelona looms in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday. Laurent Blanc’s champions remain unbeaten this season, but they had to come from behind to claim a fourth draw in their past five matches in all competitions, Jean-Christophe Bahebeck cancelling out Wissam Ben Yedder’s opener. The result ended PSG’s run of 10 successive wins over Toulouse and left them two points adrift of Ligue 1 leaders Marseille, who could increase that advantage if they record a sixth consecutive win when they host Saint-Etienne on Sunday night.

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